Youth Care Worker Diploma

The Youth Care Worker diploma program builds on the skills developed in the Youth Care Worker certificate program. You will learn about specific issues and develop the specialized skills needed to work with youth. You will study:

cultural diversity

suicide prevention

sexual victimization

abnormal psychology

therapeutic intervention strategies

community development

conflict resolution

family systems

individual assessment and development of case plans

small group facilitation

agency administration

Your practicum placements will provide you with hands-on experience in applying your knowledge and skills and in integrating theory and practice. They may take place in a group home, community agency, community school or residential treatment centre. This program is available in full through distance and/or continuing education. The program is available full-time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus in Saskatoon and on a part-time basis during the day over a year and a half at Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus in Regina. For complete program information, check the program page.

The course will provide you with an introduction to a range of disorders
that often lead to abnormal behaviours seen in youth at risk. You will learn
about how these disorders are manifested and treated. The purpose of the course is to expose you to the behaviours you are likely to encounter in the field so that you are better prepared to assist clients

You will receive an overview of the organizational structure and operation
of human service agencies. You will learn the principles of volunteer
management and the process of writing effective proposals.

Students are responsible for obtaining video camera for assignment requirement.

You will be introduced to conflict theory and the many different ways of
resolving interpersonal conflict. You will examine a model interest based
conflict resolution for resolving conflicts and be expected to act as a
mediator by applying the different stages of the model. Finally, you will
look at mediation within the criminal justice system, as well as; family
conferencing and restorative justice on the community based level.

Students are responsible for obtaining video camera for assignment requirement

You will be introduced to the many facets of culture. Your studies will
focus on the personal attitudes and values involved in appreciating cultural differences. You will explore multiculturalism in Canadian society and discuss practices that promote acceptance of differences in society.

The course provides an introduction to the scientific study of human behaviour. The course content includes psychology as a discipline, neuroscience and behaviour, learning, memory, motivation, stress and stressors.

The course is a continuation of the scientific examination of human
behaviour introduced in PSYC 188 (Psychology A). Course content
includes personality, abnormal psychology, theories of emotional
disturbance, treating emotional disturbance and altered states of
consciousness.

Your studies will focus on the scope and characteristics of sexual violence
in Canada. You will learn to identify indicators of sexual abuse, the impact
on the victim and family and the recovery process. The importance of selfawareness and self-care is stressed.

You will acquire knowledge and develop skills related to suicide
intervention and prevention, and explore the common perspectives about
suicide. The processes of assessing and addressing risk, employing
intervention techniques, developing follow-up and community
involvement will be emphasized.

The course provides you with an opportunity to acquire extended experience working within programs for youth. The experience will help you apply the knowledge you gained from course work and build skills you need for employment in a real work setting. You will have the opportunity to assess, plan, implement and evaluate a program for a client and to facilitate, evaluate and revise program plans for established agency programs. You will be involved in managing education sessions for agency clientele.

You must be assessed for practicum readiness by the practicum advisor prior to registration.

The course provides you with a second opportunity to acquire extended
experience working within programs for youth. The focus of your second
practicum experience is on the administrative functions that youth care
professions carry out in the workplace. You will learn to develop your
leadership skills. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in your
presentation, group facilitation and conflict resolution skills. Emphasis will
be placed on enhancing your professional and personal growth.

You must be assessed for practicum readiness by the practicum advisor prior to registration.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 27,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.